What are the most important religious relics to see at Oviedo Cathedral?

The Holy Chamber inside Oviedo Cathedral houses some of the most significant religious relics, including the Holy Ark, the Cross of the Angels, the Shroud, the Ark of the Agates, and the Cross of Victory. Below the Holy Chamber is the Crypt of Santa Leocadia, and this collection of treasures has been declared a World Heritage Site due to its exceptional value.

Why is Oviedo Cathedral important on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela?

Oviedo Cathedral is the endpoint of the Pilgrim's Way to San Salvador and an obligatory stop for those traveling to Santiago during the Middle Ages. An old saying states: 'He who goes to Santiago and not El Salvador, visits the servant and not the Lord,' emphasizing its spiritual significance equal to Santiago itself.

What are the main architectural features of Oviedo Cathedral?

The cathedral is built in Gothic architectural style with floral decorative touches and features a single tower that stands 80 meters high and can be seen from anywhere in Oviedo. The main nave is 10 meters wide, 67 meters long, and 20 meters high, with a facade composed of three doors made of intricately carved walnut wood leading to each of the interior naves.

When was Oviedo Cathedral built and who initiated its construction?

Construction of Oviedo Cathedral began at the dawn of the 14th century under the promotion of King Alfonso II the Chaste, built just above the ruins of a pre-Romanesque basilica. The cathedral was awarded the title of minor basilica in 1872, solidifying its importance as the largest and most significant church in Oviedo.

What royal treasures can be found inside Oviedo Cathedral?

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Chaste King contains the tombs of Asturian monarchs, making it the first royal pantheon of the country. This makes Oviedo Cathedral not only a religious center but also an important repository of the region's royal heritage and history.

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The Cathedral of the Holy Savior of Oviedo

Name: The Cathedral of the Holy Savior of Oviedo
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Pl. Alfonso II el Casto, s/n, 33003 Oviedo, Asturias, Spagna• ★★★★☆• 475 views

Fernanda Blitz

Oviedo

About The Cathedral of the Holy Savior of Oviedo

The Cathedral of the Holy Saviour is the largest and most significant of the many churches in Oviedo, Asturias.In 1872 it was awarded the title of minor basilica and is the end point of the Pilgrim's Way to San Salvador.An old saying goes: "He who goes to Santiago and not El Salvador, visits the servant and not the Lord".Oviedo Cathedral began its construction at the dawn of the 14th century just above the ruins of a pre-Romanesque basilica and it was King Alfonso II the Chaste who promoted its construction. During the Middle Ages it became an important pilgrimage centre and an obligatory stop for those travelling to Santiago. Its architectural style was based on the predominant Gothic of the time and a floral touch. It is a single tower of 80 m. that can be seen from any point in the city of Oviedo, thus having a dominant position.Oviedo Cathedral has several elements that attract the attention of visitors. Its doors are made of walnut wood with beautiful carvings. In addition, it has a space of greater value known as the Holy Chamber, inside which there are some religious relics, so you can see the Holy Ark, the Cross of the Angels, the Shroud, the Ark of the Agates and the Cross of Victory, while below is the Crypt of Santa Leocadia.Its facade is composed of three doors that lead to each of the naves of the interior. The main nave is 10 meters wide, 67 meters long and 20 meters high. The Holy Chamber has been declared a World Heritage Site due to the value of its treasures and the Romanesque sculptures that surround it. In addition there are, in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Chaste King, the tombs of the Asturian monarchs, being the first royal pantheon of the country.